Baseball bat selection optimizer device and method

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a device and method that allows a baseball player to scientifically select the optimum bat for maximum hitting performance. A baseball player need only swing and hit a supported target, and note the relative energy imparted to the target. By repeating this same simple test using as many bats as the ballplayer would like to examine, and noting the highest relative energy imparted to the target, the optimum baseball bat for him or her is determined.

The invention claims benefit of U.S. provisional patent application no. 61/811,274 filed on Apr. 12, 2013 and U.S. provisional patent application no. 61/811,832 filed on Apr. 15, 2013.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is in the field of baseball. More particularly, it is in the field of selecting the optimum bat for maximum hitting performance.

Since the inception of the game of baseball, baseball players have gone simply by “feel” in choosing the best baseball bat for his or her use. There has been no scientific method to select the bat for optimum hitting performance.

There is a substantial need for the present invention. Baseball is the most popular sport in the U.S. Approximately 6.7 million persons in America play organized baseball (little leagues; high school teams; college teams; A, AA, AAA leagues; and major league baseball). And there are approximately 200,000 organized baseball teams in the U.S.

Baseball is also one of the most popularly played sports in a number of countries around the world, including Japan, South Korea, the Dominican Republic, and Venezuela. According to the International Baseball Federation, 30 million people play baseball, worldwide.

Every baseball player, regardless of age or experience, could benefit from the use of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a device that allows a baseball player to scientifically select the optimum bat for maximum hitting performance. A baseball player need only swing and hit a supported target, and note the relative energy imparted to the target. By repeating this same simple test using as many bats as the ballplayer would like to examine, and noting the highest relative energy imparted to the target, the optimum baseball bat for him or her is determined.

The present invention applies one of the most fundamental principles in physics: F=MA. F is the measurement of force. M is the measurement of mass. And A is the measurement of acceleration. In this case, the mass is the baseball bat. The acceleration is the baseball player's bat-swinging action. And the force is the energy intensity imparted by a swinging bat to the invention's striking target. This striking-energy intensity, or imparted energy, is the essential piece of knowledge.

The greater the imparted energy, the further an actual baseball would travel if struck by a baseball bat.

By focusing on the critical variable—the imparted energy—the invention inherently takes into account the myriad of other variables that combine to influence the effective performance of a baseball bat swing. For instance, the invention takes into account each individual batter's size, weight, stance, swing speed, swing angle, baseball contact/impact point, and wrist-bat and arm-bat rotation. The invention also takes into account the numerous variables associated with bats, including bat size, weight, weight distribution, various dimensions, bending stiffness, impact bending strength, damping rate, compositions (wood, metal, composite, etc.), and variations in compositions (such as, for a wooden bat: wood hardness, wood grain, and wood type—e.g. white ash and hard maple).

The present invention factors in literally thousands of underlying variable combinations to provide the batter with the ultimate piece of knowledge: The baseball bat that will provide the greatest hitting performance specifically for him or her.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1. is one example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is another example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3. is yet another example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is still yet another example embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The ensuing descriptions encompass a variety of example embodiments of the present invention. Other embodiments, within the spirit and scope of the present invention, will become apparent to those of ordinary skill upon reading the descriptions herein.

FIG. 1 depicts a wired version of the present invention that utilizes one or more sensors incorporated with the striker target. Shown are: batter 1, bat 2, striking target 3, movable support member 4, hinge 5, vertical support 6, horizontal support 7, system support pole 8, system support base 9, sensor-signal interface cable 10, and laptop computer 11. The sensor or sensors incorporated with striking target 3 comprise the energy-transfer measurement system of the invention. Sensor-signal interface cable 10 comprises the sensor relay system of the invention. Laptop computer 11, also referenced as the portable computer device, comprises the data display system of the invention.

FIG. 2 depicts the wireless version of the present invention that utilizes one or more sensors incorporated with the striker target. Shown are: batter 12, bat 13, striking target 14, movable support member 15, hinge 16, vertical support 17, horizontal support 18, system support pole 19, system support base 20, sensor-signal interface cable 21, wireless transmitter 22, and wireless-enabled laptop computer 23.

The sensor or sensors incorporated with striking target 14 comprise the energy-transfer measurement system of the invention. Sensor-signal interface cable 21 and wireless transmitter 22 comprise the sensor relay system of the invention. Wireless-enabled laptop computer 23, also referenced as the wireless-enabled portable computer device, comprises the data display system of the invention.

Said sensor or sensors may be embedded with, affixed to, or in various ways accompanied with the striker target.

Both the wired (FIG. 1) and wireless (FIG. 2) example embodiments operate similarly. A batter swings his or her bat and strikes striking target 3 or 14. The force of the striking action is sensed by the sensor or sensors incorporated with the striking target 3 or 14 and is communicated to the laptop computer 11 or 23.

In the FIG. 1 wired example of the present invention, the data from the sensor or sensors is communicated to the laptop 11 via sensor-signal interface cable 10.

In the FIG. 2 wireless example of the present invention, the data from the sensor or sensors is wirelessly communicated to the wirelessly enabled laptop 23 via sensor-signal interface cable 21 and wireless transmitter 22.

Said sensor or sensors can be any of a variety of suitable sensors for the task.

One suitable sensor option is a force sensor:

Piezoelectric force sensors provide the compact size, durability, and signal resolution that is appropriate. “Low Impedance Voltage Mode (LIVM) force sensors contain thin piezoelectric crystals which generate analog voltage signals in response to applied dynamic forces. A built in IC chip amplifier converts the high impedance signal generated by the crystals to a low impedance voltage suitable for convenient coupling to readout instruments. When the crystals are stressed by an external compressive force, an analogous positive polarity voltage is generated. This voltage is collected by the electrode and connected to the input of a metal oxide silicon field effect transistor (MOS-FET) unity gain source follower amplifier located within the amplifier housing. The amplifier serves to lower the output impedance of the signal by 10 orders of magnitude so it can be displayed on readout instruments such as oscilloscopes, meters and recorders. Because of their high stiffness and strength (they are almost as rigid as a comparably proportioned piece of solid steel), piezoelectric force sensors may be inserted directly into machines as part of the structure by removing a section and installing the sensor. By virtue of this high rigidity, these sensors have very high natural frequencies with fast rise time capabilities making them ideal for measuring very quick transient forces such as those generated by metal-to-metal impacts and high frequency vibrations.” (Source: Dytran Instruments, Inc.) For additional reference: http://www.dytran.com/img/tech/a4.pdf

There are also a variety of printed-circuit-board based piezoelectric devices that will also work superbly. Companies make “a piezoresistive sensing device in which resistance is inversely proportional to applied force.” (Source: TekScan, Inc.) These piezoelectric components are durable and can be made in appropriate shapes and sizes for the task. For additional reference: http://www.tekscan.com/flexible-force-sensors

Another suitable sensor option is an accelerometer sensor:

The incorporated accelerometer sensor can be any one of a number of small, commercially available accelerometers. One example of many suitable options is the three-axis accelerometer depicted here: http://www. summitracing.com/parts/fst-301419

Said striking target 3 and 14 are comprised of a suitable durable material that can survive repeated impacts by swung baseball bats. Rubber and leather are common suitable durable materials, but other examples include plastics, synthetics, metals, woods, composites, etc.

In FIG. 1, the signal (voltage, change in resistance, acceleration data, etc.) from one or more sensors travels via the signal-sensor communication cable 10 to the laptop computer 11.

In FIG. 2, the signal (voltage, change in resistance, acceleration data, etc.) from one or more sensors travels via the signal-sensor communication cable 21 to wireless transmitter 22 to the wireless-enabled laptop computer 23. Wireless transmitter 22 can be any of the readily available wireless transmitter types used in computer communications, particularly Bluetooth and WiFi.

There are also pre-mated pairs of piezo sensors and wireless-transmitter devices that would be perfectly appropriate. One example of many can be seen here: http://www.tekscan.com/wireless-force-load-measurement.

To use the wired version of the example embodiment of FIG. 1, a user simply (1) turns on the laptop computer, (2) activates signal-measurement software on the laptop computer, (3) swings various baseball bats to strike said striking target, and (4) compares the striking force as measured by the signal-measurement software. The greater the striking force, the greater the signal measured, the better the selected baseball bat would impart energy to an actual pitched baseball, and the further an actual baseball would travel.

To use the wireless version of the example embodiment of FIG. 2, a user simply (1) turns on the laptop computer, (2) turns on the wireless transmitter, (3) activates signal-measurement software on the laptop computer, (4) swings various baseball bats to strike said striking target, and (5) compares the striking force as measured by signal-measurement software. The greater the striking force, the greater the signal measured, the better the selected baseball bat would impart energy to an actual pitched baseball, and the further an actual baseball would travel.

Many manufacturers of force sensors and acceleration sensors also supply appropriate signal-measurement software that can be readily used with the present invention. Of course, custom signal-measurement software can also be created and applied.

FIG. 3 depicts an example of wireless version of the present invention that utilizes a wireless accelerometer sensor combined with a movable support member. Shown are: batter 24, bat 25, striking target 26, movable support member 27, wireless accelerometer 28, hinge 29, vertical . support 30, horizontal support 31, system support pole 32, system support base 33, and wireless-enabled laptop computer 34.

Wireless accelerometer 28 comprises both the energy-transfer measurement system and sensor relay system of the invention. Wireless-enabled laptop computer 34, also referenced as the wireless-enabled portable computer device, comprises the data display system of the invention.

FIG. 4 depicts the wired version of the present invention that utilizes a wired accelerometer sensor combined with a movable support member. Shown are: batter 35, bat 36, striking target 37, movable support member 38, wired accelerometer 39, hinge 40, vertical support 41, horizontal support 42, system support pole 43, system support base 44, laptop computer 45, and sensor-signal interface cable 46.

Wired accelerometer 39 comprises the energy-transfer measurement system of the invention. Sensor-signal interface cable 46 comprises the sensor relay system of the invention. Laptop computer 45, also referenced as the portable computer device, comprises the data display system of the invention.

Both the wireless (FIG. 3) and wired (FIG. 4) example embodiments operate similarly. A batter swings his or her bat and strikes striking target 26 or 37. The force of the striking action is translated through moveable support member 27 or 38, is measured by accelerometer 28 or 39, and is communicated to the laptop computer 34 or 45.

In the wireless example of the present invention, the data from the accelerometer is wirelessly communicated to the wirelessly enabled laptop 34.

In the wired example of the present invention, the data from the accelerometer is communicated to the laptop 45 via sensor-signal interface cable 46.

To use the wireless version of the example embodiment of FIG. 3, a user simply (1) turns on the laptop computer, (2) turns on the wireless transmitter, (3) activates the acceleration-measurement software on the laptop computer, (4) swings various baseball bats to strike said striking target, and (5) compares the striking force as measured by signal-measurement software. The greater the striking force, the greater the signal measured, the better the selected baseball bat would impart energy to an actual pitched baseball, and the further an actual baseball would travel.

To use the wired version of the example embodiment of FIG. 4, a user simply (1) turns on the laptop computer, (2) activates the acceleration-measurement software on the laptop computer, (3) swings various baseball bats to strike said striking target, and (4) compares the striking force as measured by the signal-measurement software. The greater the striking force, the greater the signal measured, the better the selected baseball bat would impart energy to an actual pitched baseball, and the further an actual baseball would travel.

Wireless accelerometer 28 can be any one of a number of small, commercially available accelerometers adaptable to the invention's configuration. One example of many is the three-axis accelerometer depicted here: http://www.ammsensor.com/Products/TheAmmSensor.aspx

Wired accelerometer 39 can be of similar nature, design, and technology to what was previously described for the embodiments depicted by FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

Of course, a custom wired or wireless accelerometer could be engineered and constructed for use with all depicted and described embodiments of the present invention. Many commercially available accelerometer components and Bluetooth transmitter components could be selected for the unit. One example of many suitable product lines of accelerometers is depicted here: http://www.st.com/web/catalog/sense_power/FM89/SC444. And one example of many Bluetooth transmitter components is depicted here: http://www.broadcom.com/products/Bluetooth/Bluetooth-RF-Silicon-and-Software-Solutions/BCM2045

Many accelerometer manufacturers also supply acceleration-measurement software that can be readily used with the present invention. Custom acceleration-measurement software can also be created and applied.

Said striking target 26 and 37 are comprised of a suitable durable material that can survive repeated impacts by swung baseball bats. Rubber and leather are common suitable durable materials, but other examples include plastics, synthetics, metals, woods, composites, etc.

Further note regarding movable support member 5, 15, 27, and 38 and system support pole 8, 19, 32, and 43: Either or both can be made adjustable in length so that the user could place the striking target 3, 14, 26, and 37 in his or her natural swinging plane.

Further notes regarding all invention embodiments:

Regarding referenced wireless options: Bluetooth technology is designed to provide a limited communication range, and is ideal if a computer laptop or other wireless computerized device/data display system is near to the batter. WiFi is better suited for instances whereby longer-distance data communication is desired. For example, a baseball hitting coach may wish to monitor and/or instruct the batter while stationed in the dugout or other baseball field/stadium location. In such an instance, WiFi technology would be the better choice. Both technologies—and, in fact, virtually all wireless transmitter technologies—are within the intended scope and spirit of the present invention.

Regarding referenced sensor options and wired/wireless communication pairings to data display systems: Many other types of sensors, sensor technologies, and wired- and wireless-communication pairings can be employed in the invention, and all are encompassed by the spirit and scope of the invention.

Regarding data display system options: It should also be noted that many other computerized technologies can be substituted for the identified laptop. For instance, computer tablets, other portable computer/computerized devices, desktop PCs, smartphones, and more can all be considered for the present invention's data display system. Even a simple analog or digital meter, a multi-purpose “multimeter”, in fact any electric-signal meter, wired or wireless, could be applied and be perfectly suitable. All of the aforementioned devices and systems, and other measurement devices that could display data communicated from the invention's sensor or sensors, are within the intended scope and spirit of the present invention.

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use the invention, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiments, methods, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiments, methods, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the spirit and scope of the invention. 

I claim:
 1. A baseball bat selection optimizer comprising an appropriately sized striking target of resilient material, a moveable support member for said striking target, an energy-transfer measurement system, said energy-transfer measurement system connected to a sensor relay system, and said sensor relay system connected a data display system.
 2. Said striking target of claim 1 fashioned into the general shape of a baseball.
 3. Said energy-transfer measurement system of claim 1 an accelerometer incorporated with said moveable support member of claim
 1. 4. Said energy-transfer measurement system of claim 1 an accelerometer incorporated with said striking target of claim
 1. 5. Said energy-transfer measurement system of claim 1 a force sensor incorporated with said striking target of claim
 1. 6. Said sensor relay system of claim 1 comprising a sensor-signal interface cable of appropriate length.
 7. Said sensor-signal interface cable of claim 6 connected to an electric-signal meter serving as said data display system of claim
 1. 8. Said sensor-signal interface cable of claim 6 connected to a portable computer device serving as said data display system of claim
 1. 9. Said sensor relay system of claim 1 comprising a wireless transmitter.
 10. Said wireless transmitter of claim 9 wirelessly connected to a wireless-enabled electric-signal meter serving as said data display system of claim
 1. 11. Said wireless transmitter of claim 9 wirelessly connected to a wireless-enabled portable computer device serving as said data display system of claim
 1. 12. A baseball bat selection optimizer method comprising swinging any baseball bat and hitting a striking target made of resilient material, said striking target attached to a moveable support member, hitting said striking target initiating the measurement of striking-energy intensity by an energy-transfer measurement system, and said energy-transfer measurement system communicating said measurement of striking-energy intensity via a sensor relay system to a data display system.
 13. Said striking target of claim 12 fashioned into the general shape of a baseball.
 14. Said energy-transfer measurement system of claim 12 an accelerometer incorporated with said moveable support member of claim
 12. 15. Said energy-transfer measurement system of claim 12 an accelerometer incorporated with said striking target of claim
 12. 16. Said energy-transfer measurement system of claim 12 a force sensor incorporated with said striking target of claim
 12. 17. Said sensor relay system of claim 12 comprising a sensor-signal interface cable of appropriate length.
 18. Said sensor-signal interface cable of claim 17 connected to an electric-signal meter serving as said data display system of claim
 12. 19. Said sensor-signal interface cable of claim 17 connected to a portable computer device serving as said data display system of claim
 12. 20. Said sensor relay system of claim 17 comprising a wireless transmitter.
 21. Said wireless transmitter of claim 20 wirelessly connected to a wireless-enabled electric-signal meter serving as said data display system of claim
 12. 22. Said wireless transmitter of claim 20 wirelessly connected to a wireless-enabled portable computer device serving as said data display system of claim
 12. 